ABOUT
Dharabhi Private Wildlife Reserve (DPWR) is located in the Salt Range, south of the Potohar Plateau and north of the Jhelum River. The reserve lies 9 km northeast of Kallar Kahar city, bordering Rakh Rana, a natural forest, and the Dharabhi Dam.
The region is historically described as “Little Kashmir” because of its natural beauty and pleasant weather. Like other areas of the Salt Range, the terrain is rocky and features typical dry subtropical semi-evergreen scrub forest with some broad-leaved trees, shrubs, and a basal grass cover—an ideal and preferred habitat of the grey and black partridges. Additionally, the reserve is home to rare and endangered species such as the Indian pangolin.
DPWR is committed to preserving the ecological integrity and biodiversity of the region. It aims for the sustainable use of natural and biological resources for the benefit of present and future generations, with the participation of indigenous and local communities at all levels.
Landscape and Natural Features
Despite its arid to semi-arid climate, Dharabi Private Wildlife Reserve (DPWR) is sustained by a reliable network of natural and man-made water sources. Its proximity to the River Dharab and Dharabi Dam, together with a small internal dam, ensures year-round water availability. These water bodies give rise to seasonal marshes and wetlands that support aquatic life, attract migratory waterfowl, and significantly enhance the reserve’s ecological value.
Supported by this water availability, DPWR hosts dry sub-tropical semi-evergreen scrub forest typical of the Salt Range, with African-Arabian and Mediterranean floral influences. The vegetation mosaic includes grasslands, scrub, wetlands, and tree cover, with grasses (Poaceae) dominating and providing vital forage for grazing wildlife and ground-nesting birds. Common plant species include Acacia, Olea, Zizyphus, Dalbergia, and wetland plants such as Typha and Phragmites, alongside a thriving olive plantation.
Complementing this vegetation is a diverse landscape of undulating plains, rocky outcrops, gentle slopes, and low hills, interspersed with seasonal streams and wetland depressions. This varied terrain creates multiple micro-habitats that offer shelter, breeding sites, and movement corridors for birds, mammals, and reptiles.
Fauna
DPWR supports a rich diversity of terrestrial fauna owing to its mosaic of natural forests, scrublands, grasslands, rocky slopes, and seasonal water bodies. The reserve historically served as an important game habitat and continues to sustain healthy populations of several ecologically and conservation-significant species.
DPWR is home to numerous mammal, reptile, and amphibian species that play vital roles in maintaining ecological balance.
Key Mammalian Species
- Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) – Endangered & highly protected
- Asiatic Jackal (Canis aureus)
- Jungle Cat (Felis chaus)
- Hill / Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
- Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix cristatus)
- Cape Hare (Lepus capensis)
- Wild Boar (Sus scrofa cristatus)
The reserve also holds future potential for the natural expansion of the Punjab Urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis), the iconic wild sheep of the Salt Range.
Reptiles & Amphibians
- Bengal Monitor (Varanus bengalensis)
- Indian Flap-shell Turtle (Lissemys punctata andersoni)
- Indian Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor)
- Black Cobra (Naja naja)
- Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus)
- Russell’s Chain Viper (Daboia russelii)
- Marbled Toad (Bufo stomaticus)
- Bull Frog (Hoplobatrachus tigerinus)
Avifauna
A Paradise for Birds
DPWR supports a vibrant bird community, including resident, migratory, and wintering species, thanks to its diverse habitats and aquatic ecotones.
Iconic Game Birds
- Grey Partridge (Francolinus pondicerianus)
- Black Francolin (Francolinus francolinus)
Healthy populations indicate strong habitat sustainability.
Raptors & Birds of Prey
- Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus caeruleus)
- Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
- Shikra (Accipiter badius)
- Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
Waterfowl & Wetland Birds
- Common Teal (Anas crecca)
- Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
- Common Pochard (Aythya ferina)
- Coot (Fulica atra)
- Purple Moorhen (Porphyrio porphyrio)
- Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)
Common & Colorful Residents
- Indian Tree Pie (Dendrocitta vagabunda)
- Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus)
- White-cheeked Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucogenys)
- Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis)
- Hoopoe (Upupa epops)
- Blue Rock Pigeon (Columba livia)
Conservation Value
Dharabi Private Wildlife Reserve (DPWR) holds significant conservation importance within the Salt Range landscape. Its proximity to protected habitats provides future potential for the natural expansion of the Punjab Urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis), an iconic wild sheep of Punjab. The reserve supports healthy populations of game birds, serves as an important refuge for migratory waterfowl, and provides critical habitat for endangered species such as the Indian Pangolin.
The integration of reliable water sources, diverse vegetation, and varied terrain has created a resilient ecosystem capable of sustaining wildlife throughout the year. This ecological stability strengthens DPWR’s role as a vital link within the wider Salt Range ecosystem.
With effective implementation of its management plan and active community engagement, DPWR offers strong potential for long-term biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration, and sustainable wildlife management. By protecting habitats today, the reserve contributes to sustaining nature and wildlife for future generations.
Talk to us
To find out more about our conservation initiatives, plan your visit, or make a reservation, please reach out to us.